BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell University has set a multi-phase return to campus action plan for its football program beginning on June 15.
Campbell University Athletics is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators.
In line with achieving the Phase 2 guidelines mandated by the state of North Carolina, Campbell Athletics will open with modified policies and services. The operational decisions and safety measures implemented will focus on providing a healthy environment for everyone involved in the health and safety of our student-athletes. Recognizing the nature of the current pandemic, this plan represents a planning structure that will be in conjunction with university, local, state, and national policies and mandates.
This process best ensures a path for Campbell's student-athletes to return to campus and safely practice and compete. This plan can also be flexible based on the preparatory needs of the University and Athletic Department. Student-athletes and parents have received communications notifying them of our plan of action and plan to mitigate risks. Also, coaches and staff will participate in an education session regarding current COVID-19 policies provided by Campbell University related to social distancing and wearing masks.
This plan is subject to change pending new scientific evidence, legislation or updates as our experience with COVID-19 changes.
Student-athlete groups return, safety measures
CU football student-athletes will arrive in seven staggered groups, spread over four weeks, with the first group of 12 players, along with the football staff on Monday, June 15. This group is reserved for student-athletes requiring medical attention (rehab, treatment, etc.).
Group 2 will arrive on June 22 (15 athletes) with the same measures, followed by Group 3 on June 24 (15 athletes), Group 4 on June 26 (15 athletes), Group 5 on June 29 (20 athletes), Group 6 on July 1 (23 athletes) and Group 7 on July 6 (8 athletes).
All groups will go through screening upon arrival, complete with temperature check and COVID-19 testing, and given a mask to wear throughout this process. Student-athletes will remain in isolation until test results are available.
With a negative test result, players may begin rehab and workouts. Team members will also go through their normal physical during this time. A positive test will result in quarantine in their home or dorm room.
Quarantine may discontinue if a student-athlete goes at least three days fever free (without medication) along with continued improvement of respiratory symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared or two consecutive negative COVID-19 tests.
Any positive cases will be monitored daily by athletic training staff to ensure proper care is given.
Distancing measures limiting team and staff will also be taken throughout the facility. Everyone will be screened upon entering the facility each time, and will be required to use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the building.
All staff and athletes will be required to wear a mask at all times with the only exception being the weight room, where athletes will not be required to wear a mask during training sessions, based on comfort level.
To limit cross contamination, assigned groups will be kept on a strict schedule with no deviation. The facility will also be disinfected multiple times each day.
The Camels are scheduled to kick off the 2020 season in Buies Creek on September 5, hosting Davidson.
